Michael Joseph Pennington

Michael Joseph Pennington went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 6, 2017, ten days shy of his 81st birthday. He was born in LaPorte, Texas on March 16, 1936. Mike’s wife of 60 years and children had the honor of caring for and walking hand in hand with him as he fought lung cancer. His last day was spent with his wife and children sitting by his bedside singing hymns, giving him lots of kisses and speaking words of love and gratitude.

Mike was a man that understood commitment and devotion. He placed his trust in Jesus Christ due to the scripture his grandmother, Alice Howington, poured in to him. He remained committed to Jesus and to the great commission of sharing the gospel until his last day. He shared Christ unashamedly from the pulpit as a Baptist Pastor and with everyone he met.

Mike was secondly committed to his wife and family. Mike and Ann were married on December 15, 1956 and he loved her with a passion that is rarely seen. As Mike would often say, “I saw that beautiful black haired girl and I knew I had to meet her.” Together they had three daughters and one son.

The love of his country ran through his veins. He dedicated twenty years of his life serving first in the U.S. Air Force and then the U.S. Army. He retired in 1975 after spending time in Japan, the Philippine Islands, Okinawa, Turkey, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Florida, California, and Massachusetts.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ann Pennington, his children Dee Pennington, Kim Farmer and husband Richard, Brenda Wells and husband Barry, Mike Pennington II and wife Erin, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and cousins by the dozens. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Ruth Counts, his step-father, John Counts, and brother Pat Pennington.

Mike received many medals while serving in the Army, he earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree and was the recipient of an honorary doctorate, yet he understood that those things would pass away. He didn’t speak of these things, instead, he spent time talking with people about the forgiveness, salvation, freedom, and peace that only Christ can give. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

Visitation will be held on March 14, 6-8 p.m.at the Moore Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Road, Arlington, Texas. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 15 at First Baptist Church Kennedale, 309 Kenney Street, Kennedale, Texas with internment at the Dallas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alto Frio Baptist Encampment.